This week, Carolyn W. Colvin, Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, testified before Congress about our efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse.

“I am pleased to report that our hard-working, dedicated employees continue to improve our efforts to prevent, detect, and recover improper payments,” said Deputy Commissioner Colvin. “As a result, the Social Security program is the most accurate in the Federal Government.”

Social Security makes every effort to pay benefits to the right person in the right amount at the right time. Accordingly, one of our strategic goals is to preserve the public’s trust in our programs.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a Federal tax credit specifically for low-income working families. Many families who receive this credit use it to pay living expenses and to save for future needs. Unfortunately, at least 20 percent of eligible taxpayers did not file for their Earned Income Tax Credit last year.

This Friday, January 27, is Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. Please help spread the word so that qualifying taxpayers are aware of it. Learn more at www.eitc.irs.gov.

You’ve probably heard that there's an expanded suite of online services offered in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov. On February 23, Social Security is offering a free webinar in Spanish to explain these services and how to best use them.

Please help us by informing your constituents about this free webinar and encouraging them to register today at www.segurosocial.gov.

This is the time of year when many people apply for assistance with their heating and utility bills. That means a lot of people will need proof of their income. If you have clients who require proof of their Social Security income, the quickest and easiest way to request it is online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Specifically, if your client needs a letter that verifies Social Security benefit information (including Social Security, SSI, and Medicare), the place to visit is www.socialsecurity.gov/beve.

Likewise, if your clients need proof of income for tax year 2011 and misplaced the SSA-1099 that we recently mailed, replacements will be available beginning February 1 at www.socialsecurity.gov/1099.

Please keep in mind that the cost-of-living notice every recipient received in December can serve as proof of income as well.

Business Services Online (BSO) is a suite of online services that allows organizations, businesses, and authorized individuals to conduct business with Social Security. Once registered, users may request, activate, and access a number of services and functions. For example, employers and businesses can verify Social Security numbers and file W-2s right over the Internet. These online services can be especially beneficial for small businesses, so we encourage them to visit our website. Learn more about the services available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso.